The Bigger Better Barney Letter ISSUE NUMBER: 779 6TH NOVEMBER 2014 Remembering Yesterday’s theme day was very enjoyable and a great success. The children entered into the spirit of the day wholeheartedly and I would like to thank all parents for their assistance with the outfits. Developing creativity and crosscurricular activities is an important aspect of education as the children gain both broader knowledge and further skills. I would like to thank Mrs Robertson and Mrs Turner for co-ordinating the day and all the staff for their unstinting enthusiasm. Well done also to Evie Milbank who represented the Prep School at Ripon Cathedral on Monday evening, singing Evensong with the Chapel Choir; a great experience. During the season of remembrance, poppies have gone on sale again in school. Tomorrow the children and staff will gather for the Barnard Castle School ceremony of memorial cross-planting and we will be honoured to have Mrs Sue Snowdon, the Lord Lieutenant, attend. This year the event will mark with particular poignancy the sacrifice of so many Old Barnardians in World War I. Finally, on a sad note and after some health concerns, Rev Dr Stephen Ridley has decided to retire from teaching. Although his ready wit will be missed, Chapel services will continue as usual and he retires with our best wishes for the future. Carl Rycroft, Headmaster A Step Back In Time! Boarding News A tremendous time was had by all yesterday, as Prep School celebrated its Centenary theme day. Children and staff all joined in the fun, dressed as children and teachers from 1914, and enjoyed a wide range of curriculum-based activities using ‘Britain in 1914’ as a focus. The day commemorated both the school’s centenary and the start of the First World War and activities included work associated with both of these events. Some children experienced classrooms and lessons 1914-style, with street games such as skipping, marbles and diablo to add to the fun, whilst others produced beautiful art work inspired by the trenches of World War 1 and the theme of Remembrance. The day culminated in the joining together of the whole school in a round of community singing, including a hearty chorus of ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning’. An enjoyable and memorable day for all of us: many thanks to parents for all the authentic costumes produced too! Mrs Robertson Both boarders and day pupils marched down to tea on Friday night all dressed to scare. After a frenzy of costumes and face paints at Old Courts we had a mixture of witches, zombies, ghosts and scary clowns. With our monster mash and brains with eye balls finished, off we went 'trick or treating'. On Saturday Mr Seddon took the children to Prep School for some time on the laptops before heading to the sports hall for some fun and games. In the evening Mrs Killeen and I took the boarders to the firework display at Gainford, which didn’t disappoint with a huge bonfire and awesome fireworks. Sunday was more relaxed with some homework in the morning, a service in chapel then a stroll into town where the children spent some of their pocket money. On Tuesday Mrs Killeen took the children to the school pool where they had a lot of fun splashing around and playing games. Yesterday was our theme day and back to 1914 we went. All the boarders looked brilliant in their costumes. A good day all round for both staff and pupils; well done everybody and thank you to the parents for organising the outfits. Mr Killeen www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk In Fine Song! All The Fun of the Fair! On Monday 3rd November the Chapel Choir went to Ripon for their Evensong. We sang a range of songs including psalms and hymns and everyone had a great time. This was my first experience singing in a cathedral and I have to say it was fantastic. The atmosphere and cathedral were amazing and I can’t wait until next time! Evie Milbank, 5A Reminder - the Book Fair opens tomorrow! The children have been given an information booklet with examples of the books on offer. Please can children wishing to purchase a book bring money into school tomorrow, Friday 7th November, when they will be given the opportunity to browse and buy? Parents are also warmly invited to come and buy books on Friday 7th November, Monday 10th November and Tuesday 11th November, from 3.45–4.45pm in or near the Atkinson Hall. The more books sold, the more Prep School benefits from a wide-ranging choice of free books for school. Happy shopping! Mrs Robertson House Matches House Hockey All the girls in Years 5 & 6 played well in the House matches last Friday. The standard of Hockey was very encouraging and the girls showed both skill and enthusiasm throughout the afternoon. Grenville were the overall winners with Gilbert coming a close second and Drake pipped Raleigh to the third spot. Well done to all the girls who enjoyed a fun but competitive afternoon of Hockey. House Rugby Friday saw six closely fought matches with all the boys in Years 5 & 6 representing their House. It was particularly pleasing to see how all the boys got ‘stuck in’ and the watching staff commented on the high standard of commitment and play. There were lots of great tries and fantastic tackles with Grenville eventually emerging as winners having beaten all three other Houses. Raleigh and Drake finished joint second having won one, lost one and drawn against each other in a thrilling 20:20 draw. We can look forward to the forthcoming fixtures with confidence. Mr Seddon Birthdays This week the following child will celebrate a birthday:- Sport News Rugby v RGS Newcastle: U9, U8 On Monday, the whole of Year 3 and 4 made the long trip to Newcastle to play the Royal Grammar School. This traditionally tough fixture was met with enthusiasm by the children and the U9 A team recorded a valiant victory winning 30-25. The B team did not get a similar victory but they had their best performance of the season losing 35-5. The Year 3 children had a round robin tournament which consisted of a lot of tries and plenty of enjoyment. Overall, a super fixture for all. Hockey v RGS Newcastle: U9, U8 The girls had a very successful trip to Newcastle. Playing against very strong opposition the A and B teams continued their match experiences with the A team winning 2-1 and the B team losing a tight game 3-0. The C and D teams were playing in their first competitive match situation and, although they did not win, they learnt a lot from the day and enjoyed their initiation into full fixtures. Mr Wicling Maths Puzzler Callum Fox Best Wishes! Forthcoming Events November Thurs 6 County Hockey Tournament at Durham School: U11, 1:30pm Fri 7 Book Fair open to children throughout the day Remembrance Parade and planting of crosses Hockey v RGS & Bradford: U11 (H), 2pm Hockey & Netball v Bradford: U10 (A), 2pm Rugby v RGS & Bradford: U11A&B, u10A (H), 2pm Book Fair open to all, 3:45-4:45pm Mon 10 House Hockey & Rugby for Years 3 & 4, 2pm Book Fair open to all, 3:45-4:45pm Tues 11 Rugby Tournament at Bradford GS: U11, 1pm Netball Tournament at Bradford GS: U11, 1pm Book Fair open to all, 3:45-4:45pm Wed 12 Barney Friends’ Meeting, Clarendon’s, 8:45am Hockey Tournament at Bow School: U11, 1:30pm Lots of interest in last week’s puzzler with Phoebe Heintz, Rebecca Clark, Oliver Langstaff, Monica SpenceWolrich, Lucy Hodgson, Oliver Welfare, Zachary Fine (and dad), Laura Burgess and Mr Seddon who all identified that 12 + 7 = 519 (12-7=5, 12+7=19). Merits to all of you. As part of our 1914 centenary celebrations some of the children learned about cryptography, ciphers and code breaking from 100 years ago. The following message is written in code, how have I altered the alphabet and what does the coded message say? QEXIW MW JYR Don’t be daunted, I’ve kept the alphabet in the same order but simply shifted it along some places - have a go and, as always, send me your answers by Tuesday please. Good luck! Mr Ayres Follow the latest news from across the School @barney_school